VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
The Master Regulator of Immunity, Inflammation, and Brain-Gut Balance
What is VIP?
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a naturally occurring neuropeptide and hormone composed of 28 amino acids. It was first discovered in the gastrointestinal tract but is now known to have widespread systemic effects, particularly in the nervous system, immune system, and pulmonary tissues.
VIP functions as a potent vasodilator, immune modulator, and neuroprotective agent. It’s heavily concentrated in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, heart, and brain, making it a critical peptide in research related to chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, neurological conditions, and respiratory diseases like pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and sarcoidosis.
How Does VIP Work?
VIP exerts its actions through two primary receptors: VPAC1 and VPAC2, which are G-protein-coupled receptors found throughout the nervous, immune, and cardiovascular systems.
Mechanism of Action:
- Binds to VPAC1/VPAC2 receptors to trigger cAMP-dependent signaling
- Induces smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation
- Modulates Th1/Th2 cytokine balance (shifts toward anti-inflammatory response)
- Inhibits TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12; promotes IL-10 and regulatory T cells (Tregs)
- Protects neurons from oxidative and excitotoxic stress
These actions allow VIP to serve as a multi-system modulator that enhances circulation, regulates inflammation, and protects against immune-mediated damage.
Benefits of VIP in Research
🌬️ Pulmonary & Respiratory Health
- Dilates bronchial smooth muscle, improving airflow
- Reduces pulmonary vascular resistance in conditions like PAH
- Supports lung function in sarcoidosis, asthma, and COPD models
🛡️ Immune Modulation & Autoimmunity
- Balances pro- vs. anti-inflammatory cytokines
- Shown to be protective in models of Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune encephalomyelitis
- Promotes regulatory T-cell (Treg) activity, reducing autoimmune attack
🧠 Neuroprotection & Cognitive Support
- Enhances blood flow to the brain and reduces neuroinflammation
- Inhibits microglial overactivation, protecting against neurodegeneration
- Studied in models of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
❤️ Cardiovascular & Vasoregulatory Function
- Induces vasodilation via nitric oxide and cAMP mechanisms
- Reduces vascular stiffness and blood pressure
- Protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury in heart and brain
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide vs Thymosin Alpha-1 vs SS-31
| Feature | VIP | Thymosin Alpha-1 | SS-31 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immune Modulation | Strong (Treg focused) | Strong (Th1/Th2 modulator) | Mild |
| Neuroprotection | Strong | Mild | Strong |
| Respiratory Benefits | Excellent | Mild | Minimal |
| Cardiovascular Impact | Strong vasodilator | Mild | Moderate |
| Ideal Use | Inflammatory, neuroimmune, lung health | Infection, cancer, immune dysfunction | Mitochondrial repair |
Suggested Dosage & Research Protocol
Intranasal or Subcutaneous Administration:
- 100–500mcg per dose, 1–2x daily
- Intranasal delivery may target CNS and respiratory pathways more directly
Cycle Duration:
- Research cycles typically last 4–12 weeks depending on condition
- VIP is often used in chronic models for long-term immune recalibration
Safety Profile of VIP
VIP has been well-studied in both animal and human trials with minimal toxicity. It is endogenously produced and rapidly metabolized, reducing risk of accumulation or toxicity.
Common Observations:
- Improved energy and focus
- Enhanced breathing and vascular relaxation
- Reduction in inflammatory symptoms
Potential Side Effects:
- Mild nasal irritation (intranasal use)
- Temporary flushing or dizziness post-injection
- No evidence of hormonal suppression or dependency
Reference:
- Delgado M, Ganea D. “VIP: a neuropeptide with pleiotropic immune functions.” Nat Rev Immunol, 2001. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3883350
Storage Instructions
- Store lyophilized VIP at 2–8°C
- Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water
- Use within 10–14 days post-reconstitution (keep refrigerated)
Ideal VIP Stack Pairings
Can be paired with:
- Thymosin Alpha-1 – for broader immune enhancement and antiviral support
- DSIP – for sleep and parasympathetic recovery synergy
- NAD+ or MOTS-c – to boost mitochondrial energy in chronic fatigue models
- BPC-157 – for gut-brain axis support and tissue healing
Is VIP Right for Your Research?
VIP is a top-tier research peptide for models involving neuroinflammation, respiratory dysfunction, chronic fatigue, autoimmunity, and vascular inflammation. Its unique cross-system modulation makes it a prime candidate for exploring whole-body immunoregulatory pathways.
Final Thoughts
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a neuroimmune and vascular peptide powerhouse. Its ability to calm inflammation, protect the brain and lungs, and restore immune balance makes it a unique tool in peptide-based research and therapeutics. VIP remains one of the most promising multifunctional peptides in the realms of neuroimmune medicine and systemic inflammation.
Lab of RAD provides high-purity VIP peptide for researchers investigating advanced immune regulation, respiratory health, and neuroinflammation protocols.
⚠️ FDA Disclaimer
This content is provided for educational and research purposes only. VIP has not been evaluated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Lab of RAD peptides are for laboratory research use only and are not for human consumption.